Typically, I'm over apocalyptic horror. While classics like 28 Days Later and the early episodes from The Walking Dead were enjoyable, the genre seems largely depleted nowadays. Yet the much-awaited 28 Years Later has been gathering dust in my watchlist for months. However, Netflix's latest Southeast Asian horror film, The Elixir, managed to subvert what I anticipated turning out quite entertaining.
Impressive Rhythm and Personal Development
Among the film's strongest assets is its excellent rhythm. It kicks off using a memorable initial scene in which a peaceful family gathering is violently disrupted by a van plows right into the guest area. From the wreckage, an extremely zombie-like individual emerges proceeding assaulting the partygoers. This dramatic moment is immediately followed by a look back, giving viewers to observe the family before the tragedy occurred.
Unlike many zombie films, The Elixir truly allows viewers enough time to get to know its main characters before the chaos ensues. There's Nes, a wife and mother with a ex best friend, Karina, has become wed to her dad—an obviously awkward situation. Naturally, this has understandably caused a rift among Nes and Karina. Then there's Nes' brother, Bang, described as kind-hearted yet socially awkward, and who enjoys playing video games alongside Nes' young son, Raihan. Her spouse, Rudi, seems to have lately been unfaithful to her. The family head is Nes' father, the owner of a well-known herbal remedy company named Wani Waras, and he seems focused on only two things: his work and his wife to Nes' ex-best friend. Needless to say, this family reunion is extremely tense.
Engaged in the Conflict
I became so engrossed in the family's dynamics along with their personal conflicts to the point I almost forgot I was watching a scary movie—something that could seem like a drawback, but ultimately paid off. The Elixir spends a considerable amount of the film depicting viewers the identity of every relative is, plus the ways they contribute to the general turmoil. This emphasis on clashing personalities enabled me to relate with the characters sufficiently to care about their outcome—a rare accomplishment in a genre that often introduces individuals only to kill them off soon after. The Elixir avoids portraying its characters as flat, disposable victims for an army of zombies to consume, so it's a genuine shock when things finally go wrong.
Evocative of Parasite
The opening scenes from the gathering and the multiple household exchanges in fact bring to mind the film Parasite, a tale which disguises itself as a K-Drama featuring slightly dark comedy before making a sudden shift into "holy shit" ground. These early scenes aren't centered as much on comedy compared to Parasite, but The Elixir nonetheless provides enough opportunity to settle into its world prior to everything gets upended.
Original Infection Origin
This movie also offers a quite intriguing reason regarding the origin of the spreading zombification. Rather than a unintended laboratory incident or a type of bioweapon, the cause of this contagious disease stems from a recent sample from Wani Waras natural medicines developed by her dad. While some background is provided a bit about its origins, it would have been better if the movie had spent a little more time explaining how Wani Waras went from a reputable purveyor of holistic medicine to creating a lethal elixir which seems to include a highly contagious virus. Despite the lack of background, the impact this affliction has on humans proves absolutely repulsive, and I love it. The Elixir's undead prove quick, bizarre in appearance, and, maybe most disturbingly, always smiling. This represents a bold choice, yet it succeeds. The Elixir's physical effects and computer graphics are also very convincing, and are almost guaranteed to trigger one's trypophobia.
Capable Personalities
Even better than the gross-out moments are the characters themselves. Certainly, there are a few examples of questionable decision-making (as in typical zombie movie), but generally, Nes and her family are inventive and sharp. They also aren't afraid to kick a zombie in the face, stab it using a farm tool, or hit it over the head with whatever heavy object they find rather than standing still like prey in headlights as death approaches.
Believable Family Strike
The Elixir doesn't drop its themes of familial discord once individuals begin transforming into zombies, which was a pleasantly realistic subversion from the "We don't get along|"We have issues, but you almost died I immediately pardon you for all your mistakes!" trope often seen in apocalyptic movies. Obviously, Nes cares for her family and cares about her husband, Rudi, but it's also clear she remains holding onto bitterness regarding his infidelity of their marriage vows. Once the household becomes split up, they agree via telephone to regroup at a nearby location. But when Bang admits he is unaware how to get there, Nes unleashes a massive amount of frustration toward Bang which has obviously been building over time. Nes isn't perfect, and her relatives—flawed as it is—feel realistic and relatable since the movie avoids attempting to promote the notion that nearly dying instantly cures familial strife. This makes those instances when these characters express gratitude for each other feel far more sincere.
Stereotypical Ending
In spite of The Elixir's strong efforts to break new ground, the ending must be said to be somewhat stereotypical. The Elixir isn't really presenting any deep insight about family or society, as well. Rather, it's mostly serving up scares. But they're effective scares, and since the film allows every personality enough room to grow and avoids penalizing them for their imperfections, the outcome proves an engaging and entertaining
